In South Africa, tech firm International Business Machine (IBM) and mobile operator MTN have teamed up with the Wageningen University (WU) in Holland, and Prodapt to fight the poaching of rinhoceroses at Welgevonden Game Reserve. To achieve this, the Internet of Things (IoT) will be used. 

Indeed, the IBM technology will be paired with MTN’s Connected Wildlife Solution and predictive analysis skills of the Wageningen University to develop innovative IoT that will help analyze the animals’ behaviour when threatened. 

According to WU, animals react differently in nature, depending on the threats they face. Be it in front of predators or people. 

In the framework of the actual project, smart collars containing custom sensors will be fitted onto various animals to record their behavior (movement, direction, speed, etc.) and corresponding data will be transmitted to the WU’s researchers via the IoT platform. From the data, the scientists will create close to 20 response models for endangered animals based on which they will determine the responses of the animals when facing poachers. Zebra or antelope movement could therefore be an indicator of a threat to rhinoceroses. 

“One of our primary objectives is to protect wildlife, especially endangered species. We were looking for a solution that would help us better understand possible threats and weed out those coming from poachers so we can react ahead of time and prevent harm to animals. This project will be a profound breakthrough in the creation of connected wildlife solutions, a wildlife management concept that aims to harness IoT (Internet of Things) technology to better manage and protect wildlife and other assets,” said Bradley Schroder, Chief Executive Officer of Welgevonden Game Reserve. 

The initiative could be extended to the country’s other natural reserves.

Muriel Edjo